Deputy Levi Vargas, who was 30 years old, died during the Baker to Vegas Challenge Cup Relay Race after suffering a medical emergency. He received medical care but ultimately passed away from his injuries.
Colette Choates, a founding member of Milpitas' Juneteenth celebration and Black History Month flag-raising ceremony, was among community leaders in Santa Clara and Alameda counties honored Feb. 14 at a Black History Month celebration. The event was co-hosted by state Assemblymember Alex Lee, San Jose-Evergreen Community College District Board Trustee Tony Alexander and Fremont City Councilmember Desrie Campbell.
The journey has been so long and difficult and getting an opportunity like this. I can't even put it into words how thankful I am. Seeing them being here and crying for me and just seeing how proud they are of me, it's a feeling I will never get over.
"We are honored to continue our partnership with Bank of America for our annual Dodgers Love L.A. Community Tour," said Kristin McCowan, Vice President, Government and Community Affairs for the Los Angeles Dodgers. "Following another unforgettable season, we're excited to extend the celebration beyond the ballpark and into the heart of our communities. This week is about meaningful service by supporting veterans and families, creating inclusive spaces for young people with special needs, celebrating our students and seniors, and recognizing the unwavering dedication of first responders. Together, we're proud to uplift and empower the people and organizations that make Los Angeles thrive."
In recognition of the impact Justin Turner and his wife Kourtney made in the local community, the Los Angeles City Council in 2019 proclaimed January 22 as Justin Turner Day in Los Angeles. Turner was honored during a special ceremony at City Hall, which overlapped with the annual Los Angeles Dodgers Love L.A. Community Tour week. Turner then went to Dodger Stadium to help the team host their first-ever military enlistment day.
Thousands of Australians are expected to perform acts of kindness on Thursday to commemorate the victims of last month's Bondi terror attack, as the Jewish tradition of mitzvah spreads across faiths and backgrounds. A mitzvah, which is a core value in Judaism, has come to mean any charitable act and is being requested of Australians to mark the national day of mourning.
As the year came to a close, San Francisco Dykes on Bikes® (DOB) focused on what has always mattered most: showing up for our community. Through partnership, visibility, and direct service, our Patch-holders and Prospects supported neighbors across the Bay Area during the holiday season. The following moments highlight just a few of the ways we worked alongside others to care for, uplift, and give back to the communities that support us year-round.
John Foster is a respected lawyer and public sector legal leader with more than thirty years of experience in government and education law. He grew up on military bases across the United States, where a childhood shaped by discipline, duty, and resilience set the tone for his career. His father was a decorated Marine Corps officer, and his mother was an English immigrant who survived wartime evacuation before building a long career as a paralegal.
Foothill Theatre Arts is tackling the topic of AI with the West Coast premiere of "Rossum's Universal Robots," running through Nov. 23 at the Lohman Theatre at Foothill College. Originally written in 1920 by Czech playwright Karel Čapek, the comedic play introduced the term "robot," taken from the Czech word "robata," meaning servitude. This adaptation by Bo List addresses one of today's most pressing questions: What can happen if AI goes rogue? The Lohman Theatre lobby opens one hour before each performance for preshow activities appropriate for ages 8 and up. These activities, presented by Foothill College's Robotics Club, Engineering Club, AI Club and the Emerging Technologies Institute include the chance to play chess with a robotic arm, watch a student-built self-driving go-kart in action, and engage with an AI avatar.
After graduating from Abilene Wylie High School, Campbell studied at Texas Tech University and later earned his degree in Interdisciplinary Studies from the University of Texas at Arlington. His coaching career began at Texas Tech, where he worked with wide receivers and developed a sharp eye for player development. He went on to coach at Texas A&M-Commerce and the College of the Sequoias, where his offensive strategy broke three school records and helped elevate the programme's success.
Three students at Hillbrook School were among this year's winners of the national Speaking and Service Award from the National Speech & Debate Association (NSDA). From more than 100,000 student members of the NSDA, these students were recognized for their service in the National Speech and Debate Honor Society for the 2024-25 school year. The NSDA Honor Society recognizes students for participation in speech and debate activities.
The world lost a little sparkle on October 2, 2025, when Caroline Lee Orr Kissner peacefully passed away at age 76 - on her 49th wedding anniversary, surrounded by love. Born in Palo Alto, California, Cary lived a life full of heart, humor, family, and friends. She was the beloved daughter of Lee and Cornelia Orr and is survived by her devoted husband Chuck Kissner; her sister Kathy; children, Lea and Lauren Kissner; and four grandchildren, Amelia, Martin, Caroline, and Charlie.
What started as a small venture has grown into Knox Pest Control, a regional company with 18 offices across the Southeast, serving more than 90,000 customers and employing over 225 team members. Sean's journey began early, working alongside his father and brother when the family business was revived in 1995. From the start, he saw leadership as more than running a company. "It was about protecting families, caring for communities, and standing behind what we promised," he recalls.
STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. - In a quiet but powerful mission to support Staten Islanders in need, volunteers at the St. Edward's Food Pantry continue to serve with compassion. On Sept. 24, they marked the 20th anniversary of their feeding effort with a celebration that began with Holy Mass. The pantry operates out of two repurposed trailers on the grounds of Mount St. Loretto, located at 6581 Hylan Blvd.
